News Corporation has extended Chief Executive Robert Thomson's contract to 30 June 2030.
The global media and information services company said it had undergone significant transformation since the Australian’s appointment as Chief Executive in 2013 with a focus on its Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate Services and Book Publishing growth pillars.
The years 2021 to 2024 were its four most profitable with continued strong performance in fiscal 2025 and it had thrived during a period of dramatic change across media and technology while many other media entities floundered.
“The extension is a recognition of Mr Thomson’s exceptional track record of transformational leadership, value creation and effective advocacy for journalism and intellectual property protection,” News Corp said in a statement.
Chair Lachlan Murdoch said Thompson had been instrumental in News Corp’s growth and transformation and his vision and leadership were extremely significant as the company continued to navigate an era of rapid change.
“Robert has created exceptional shareholder value, orchestrated a meaningful transformation of our asset base, and made strategic investments in growth drivers like Dow Jones, Digital Real Estate Services and Book Publishing,” Murdoch said in the statement.
“He is a crucial voice in the fight for publishers and journalists in the digital age, and a strong advocate for intellectual property rights. I look forward to his continued leadership.”
Shares in the company (ASX: NWS), which is controlled by Australian-born founder Rupert Murdoch and his family with 41% of the votes, closed 57 cents or 1.16% higher on Friday at $49.92 (US$32.34), capitalising the company at US$16.86 billion.
